Now the winter winds are blowing in many are starting to feel the icy panic of the long season ahead. Fear not though, being in the UK you have some amazing warm destinations at your doorstep. Here’s a list of five worth considering.
Palermo, Italy
Palermo is at a very pleasant temperature even during the winter months, hovering between 15 and 20 degrees on average. It is the capital of the island of Sicily, surrounded by mountains and filled with ancient architecture.
The ‘Kingdom of the Sun’ as its also known is famous for incredible street food, with famous markets dating back to its Arabic 8th Century roots. Therefore there is a long and diverse history of taste and flavours. It is also filled with some of the most beautiful Piazzas in the country.
Seville, Spain
You can expect warm weather from the capital of the Andalusia region in Spain, during summer it can almost be unbearable while in winter it hangs around a pleasant 20 degrees.
Seville is beautiful, filled with Gothic and Renaissance architecture, as well as sections dating back to ancient times with Moorish walls and Roman ruins. It’s a vibrant place that’s home to Flamenco dancing, late-night taverns and incredible street food. Simply walking around this city is a sensory treat.
Faro, Portugal
This is an underrated destination in Portugal that is peaceful, calm but most importantly warm. The temperature is 17 degrees on average during the UK’s coldest months. It’s a seaside town with a strong fishing trade and plenty of history to it, as well as great seafood.
The city centre and the old quarter are worth visiting in and of themselves. There are ancient buildings and constructs including the Arco da Vila gate, set within the Moorish city walls. And if you’re brave you can visit the macabre bone chapel, lined with the remains of over a thousand monks. Of course, there are also beaches, pristine and deserted ones like the Ilha Deserta as well as lovely boat tours.
Limassol, Cyprus
As Europe’s ‘most southern town’ the temperatures hang around 17-18 degrees even in the mid-winter months. Limassol is in Cyprus and enjoys the calm, peaceful and relaxing Mediterranean life. The landscape is incredible with clean beaches and mountains and the culture and history of the place are simply unparalleled.
Some of the sites such as Kourion date back as far as 6000 years and the advantage of visiting in winter months is the lack of crowds. This means you can also relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy the many local courses of a Cyprus ‘Meze’, including fresh seafood, olives and hummus. Although it might not quite be warm enough for a swim there are plenty of beaches to stroll, eat by or simply sit by and enjoy.
Kotor, Montenegro
This might be the coldest on the list, but it’s still a comfortable 12 to 13 degrees even in the dead of winter. Kotor is an incredibly beautiful town in Montenegro with medieval architecture and incredible views of its famous bay and mountains. So even in winter, there’s plenty of opportunity for hikes, sightseeing, local cuisine and more.
There are some of the best views in Montenegro in Kontor, use the warm weather to hike the Castle of San Giovanni. In summer these treks can actually be too hot and it’s recommended going in the morning. In winter though you have all day to do it and take in the rewarding view from the top! Or simply stroll around the old town and its medieval architecture discovering something strange and wonderful at every corner.
We hope you find the perfect winter escape. For any travelling and transporting needs be sure to check out SIXT UK, available worldwide!
